EPDM Rubber RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
N.L.Dalmia Institute of Management Studies and Research
Business research methods
Research report
On
Overview of rubber industry
(division mfm, part time, sem-ii)
Under the guidance of
Prof. Nishant panwar
submitted by:-
(group no. 10)
jay bheda(210)
Balkrishna gosavi(225)
vikram mehra(240)
rohan patel(255)
jimit sanghvi(270)
Rahul varma(285)
Certificate
This is to certify that the research project titled, Study of EPDM Rubber Industry is successfully completed by following students.
Submitted by:-
jay bheda(210)
Balkrishna gosavi(225)
vikram mehra(240)
rohan patel(255)
jimit sanghvi(270)
Rahul varma(285)
This project was undertaken in the second semester in master in financial management as the fulfillment of the course. It was completed under our guidance and supervision.
Prof Nishant Panwar
N.L.Dalmia Institute of Management Studies and Research
Acknowledgement
We would like to express our gratitude towards faculty Prof. Nishant Panwar, who had been very supportive as a guide to our efforts in making the project work a successful one.
We also extend our hearty thanks to Prof. Gulab Mohite, Dean of the institute for approving our efforts in making the project a success.
Last but not the least, we would also like to thank all our institute faculties and friends, who were helpful to us in whatever little way they would.
Table of contents
S no.
Topics
Page no.
1
History of EPDM rubber
5
2
Introduction and Executive Summary
5-7
3
Introduction & industry profile
8
4
Problem statement and
Research objectives
9
5
Market share
9
6
Types of Rubber
11-14
7
Uses
15
Advantages & Disadvantages
16
Limitation
17
8
Research methodology
18
Purpose of the research
18
Research & Sample Design
18-19
9
Data Analysis
20-22
10
Hypothesis Testing
23-24
11
Future of EPDM Rubber
25
12
Summary of findings
26
13
Conclusion and References
27
14
Survey (questionnaire)
28-29
History of EPDM rubber:
Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber had first found wide commercial use in the roofing industry in North America and Europe in the early 1970s.
Introduction and Executive summary
EPDM has found major applications in the automotive, building and construction, wires and cables, plastic modification, lubricant additives and in other such industries. EPDM consists of ethylene (usually 45% to 75% by weight, depending on the application), propylene and a diene (generally between 2.5% and 12%). The main properties of EPDM rubber are its high heat and ozone resistance and exceptional weatherability characteristics. It also has good resistance to polar substances and steam. The material also exhibits excellent electrical insulation properties. EPDM finds major uses in manufacture of seals, washers, belts, hoses, pipes, wires, cables, roofing membranes, electrical cable-jointing as well as plastic modification in the manufacture of thermoplastic vulcanisates (TPV) and thermoplastic olefins (TPO).
Some of the major factors driving the EPDM market are the increasing demand in the Asia-pacific region, the continuous growth in the automobile industry where EPDM finds uses in most automobile interiors and parts, boom in roofing and construction in developing countries, and high resistance to prolonged exposure in harsh climates. EPDM is one of the raw materials used in the manufacturing of its substitutes TPO and TPV and the increase in demand for these materials is boosting the overall demand for EPDM.
EPDM is a synthetic rubber and is known for their outstanding resistance to heat, ozone, weather, polar substances, and have excellent electrical insulation properties. EPDM is widely used in automotive applications and roofing systems. Automotive industry is the largest consumer of EPDM. It is used in the manufacturing of seals, washers, glass-run channels, radiators, garden and appliance hose, tubing, pond liners, belts, electrical insulation, vibrators, o-rings, solar panel heat collectors, uv protection and speaker cone surrounds, electrical wire & cable jackets, roofing membranes.
EPDM performance properties ethylene-propylene elastomers are random, amorphous polymers with mainly a saturated hydrocarbon backbone structure. This provides a range of useful performance properties:
Outstanding ozone resistance
Excellent aging and weatherability
Excellent heat resistance (up to 150c)
Wide range of tensile strength and hardness
Excellent electrical insulation properties
Low temperature flexibility
Good polar solvents chemical resistance, poor hydrocarbon resistance
Good water resistance in addition, the low density of these elastomers (specific gravity about 0.86 gram per cm3 ) plus their ability to accept very high levels of extender oils and fillers often gives them a cost advantage over other elastomers in many application EPDM performance properties
Ethylene-propylene elastomers are random, amorphous polymers with mainly a saturated
Nationwide analysis of the EPDM
EPDM consumption in Indiais expectedto grow at an averageannualrate of 10%.
EPDM market is in a state of high production capacity utilization and this kind of situation leads market to price rise and offers wide scope to manufactures for new capacity addition.
Introduction & industry profile
An overview of rubber industry (f.y. 2013-14)
Total no. Of units: 6000 approx.
Large & medium scale units: 500
Small & tiny units: 5500
Industry turnover: Rs.60,000 crores
Tyre sector: Rs.35,000 crores
Non tyre sector: Rs.25,000 crores
Value exports: Rs.9,600 crores
Taxes & duties: Rs.13500 crores
Raw-material intensity: raw material cost accounts for 65% - 70% of industry turnover (approx.)
Principal Raw-materials: Synthetic rubbers i.e. EPDM, carbon black, rubber chemicals etc.
This study carried out will help to understand the market potential to set up a new company by the analysis of industry against the leading players as mentioned below:
Alp overseas pvt ltd., Gurgaon-122015
Asp sealing products ltd. (UP)
R. K. Profiles private limited, Faridabad
Gold seal engineering, Mumbai
Problem statement
This research aims to do analysis of EPDM rubber industry for launching a new company.
Research objectives
1) To understand the overall market potential with detailed analysis on industry.
2) To understand the consumer preferences and behavior.
3) To understand the satisfaction level of competitors on important attributes, from consumers perspective.
Market share
The breakup of the market share of major brands in Indian market is as follows:
Company
Market share
Alp overseas pvt ltd., Gurgaon
35%
Asp sealing products ltd.(UP)
20%
Gold seal engineering, Mumbai
10%
R. K. Profiles private limited, Faridabad
5%
Others
30%
Mechanical properties of EPDM
Property
Value
Appearance
Hardness,shore a
4090
Tensile failure stress, ultimate
25mpa
Elongation after fracture in%
300%
Density
Can be compounded from 0.90 to >2.00g/cm3
Thermal properties of EPDM
Property
Value
Coefficient of thermal expansion, linear
160m/mk
Maximum service temperature
150c
Minimum service temperature
50c
Glass transition temperature
54c
Types of rubber
1. Sponge EPDM rubber profile
Thesponge EPDM rubber profileoffered by us is extensively used in a diverse applications including automotive air-conditioning. Manufactured using high grade sponge compounds with very low specific gravity, these easily fit into the holes of the auto body and present excellent compressibility for smooth and effective sealing of the doors. We manufacture these highly specialized components with added features such as exceptionally low specific gravity, high porosity on the inside without compromising on the external texture of the components. These features help to retain the desired smoothness of the profile.
2. EPDM rubber profiles
TheEPDM rubber profilesmanufactured by us serve as sealing components that is used between the glass and aluminum sections. The company serves the building and construction industry extensively.EPDM by far is the lightest rubber in comparison to other types of rubber. Thus, its final product is longer in length (meter) per unit weight. This characteristic helps increase its spectrum of applications greatly. Our profiles bare a high level of ozone resistance that are perfect for sealing and sustains for a very long time. Further, these profiles can be customized as per the requirement of our clients.
3. Railway window rubber
Railway window rubber are created using high grade EPDM rubber which possess features like resistance to varying weather conditions, high durability and temperature tolerance to changing extreme climatic conditions. It is also suitable for making a seal around glass in aluminum window channels. Additionally, it provides better grip of glass around the window. Offered in different shapes and sizes, these can be further customized as per the requirement of the clients
4. Base plate rubber parts
Base plate rubber partsare created using high grade EPDM rubber which possesses features like resistance to varying weather conditions, high durability and temperature tolerance to changing extreme climatic conditions. Base plate is used between tracks and cement slab of railway lines. It acts as an anti-vibration pad. Offered in different shapes and sizes, these can be further customized as per the requirement of the clients.
5. Windscreen rubber profile
We offer wide range ofwindscreen rubber profile. The EPDM rubber used is a polymer and it has an excellent balance of fatigue resistance and the mechanical properties due to which it is second only to the natural rubber available. This windscreen rubberis chemical and heat resistant and it is used on the windscreens of the vehicles. This product is extremely durable and has a very long shelf life. It has a lot of physical toughness and is a weather resistant product.
6. Flocked rubber channel
Leading manufacturer and supplier are having a comprehensive range offlocked rubber channelthat are widely used in the automobile industry. We use qualitative grades of raw material for manufacturing our range. Its a flock articles which create velvet like surface that ensures silky smooth sliding of glass & friction free on the window panels.
7. Expansion joints
We offerexpansion joints.All the products offered by us are manufactured using optimum-grade raw material in compliance with international quality standards. Adding to this, our entire range is thoroughly scrutinized under the vigilance of quality inspectors so that only flawless products are delivered at clients' location within the committed time-frame.
8. U type rubber seals
We bring you our well manufacturedu type rubber seals. We utilize sophisticated technology and finest quality raw material in the manufacturing these rubber seals. These are manufactured using high grades of synthetic rubbers. Our products are widely used in different sectors in various regions of the country. U type rubber seals are highly appropriate in various working conditions and the hardness of it will depend on the functions and pressure. Widely used in protecting edges on panels glass of window channel or door and where there is a rough edge such and railway train or other vehicle.
9. Bonnet rubber profiles
We offer our clients a wide assortment ofbonnet rubber profiles, which are manufactured from premium quality raw materials. Our complete product range is developed in compliance with international quality norms to meet the industry standards. These units are available in various sizes and can be customized as per the clients requirements.
10. Glazing rubber profiles
Glazing rubber profilesare widely used in buses and other similar vehicles. These profiles are used between the window and the main body and in similar other applications. Manufactured in superior EPDM compounds with high ozone resistance capabilities, these are highly sustainable and resistant against all type of weather.This window rubber is suitable for providing better grips to the window glasses. It is also suitable for making a seal around glass in aluminum window channels. We test the cross-section design of these components to grip the glass and the automotive body. Testing makes sure that they provide perfect sealing required, avoid any rattling noise and also provide optimal protection form dust, water and other irritants in the external environment.
Uses
EPDM rubber is used in seals (for example, it is used in cold-room doors since it is an insulator, as well as in the face seals of industrial respirators in automotive paint spray environments, where silicone must be avoided). EPDM is also used in glass-run channels, radiators, garden and appliance hose, tubing, pond liners, washers, belts, electrical insulation, vibrators, o-rings, solar panel heat collectors, and speaker cone surrounds.
It is also used as a medium for water resistance in electrical cable-jointing, roofing membranes (since it does not pollute the run-off rainwater, which is of vital importance for rainwater harvesting), geomembranes, rubber mechanical goods, plastic impact modification, thermoplastic, vulcanizates, and many other applications. Colored EPDM granules are mixed with polyurethane binders and troweled or sprayed onto concrete, asphalt, screenings, interlocking brick, wood, etc. To create a non-slip, soft, porous safety surface for wet-deck areas such as pool decks and as safety surfacing under playground play equipment (designed to help lessen fall injury).
The most common use, however, is probably in vehicles. It is used in door seals, window seals, trunk seals, and sometimes hood seals. Frequently, these seals are the source of noise due to movement of the door against the car body and the resulting friction between the EPDM rubber and the mating surface (painted sheet metal or glass). This can be alleviated using specialty coatings that are applied at the time of manufacture of the weather seal. Such coatings can also greatly increase the chemical resistance of EPDM rubber. Some vehicle manufacturers also recommend a light application of silicone dielectric grease to weatherstripping to reduce noise. Other uses in vehicles include cooling system circuit hoses where water pumps, thermostats, egr valves, egr coolers, heaters, oil coolers, radiators, and degas bottles are connected with EPDM hoses, as well as charge air tubing on turbocharged engines to connect the cold side of the charge air cooler (intercooler) to the intake manifold.
Advantages and disadvantages of EPDM
Advantages
EPDM rubbers are the most tested and widely used sealing technique.
For decades, the tested material has been used by window producers and other industries.
Reliable sealing of media over a long period of time.
Outstanding sealing properties in extreme weather conditions and excellent temperature stability (40 to +150c) in cold climate.
If compared to rubber made from other materials, EPDM rubbers are extremely resistant to wear, ageing, weather influences, ozone and uv-light.
EPDM rubbers are colour-stable and leave no stains on PVC window frames.
Disadvantages
Poor petroleum oil and solvent resistance.
Not recommended for food applications.
Not recommended for exposure to aromatic hydrocarbons.
Limitations
The following limitations were found out:
The databases of customer who uses EPDM Rubber were not available.
We targeted Clients factory who uses EPDM Rubber and Suppliers who supply to.
Money and time constraints did not allow the research to be carried out on an extensive scale.
Research methodology
Purpose of the research
The general purpose of this study is comparative analysis of various companies of EPDM Rubber manufacturer from business point of view. After detailed review of the research following objectives are to be determined:
1) To understand the overall market potential with detailed analysis on Industry.
2) To understand the consumer preferences and behavior.
3) To understand the satisfaction level of competitors on important attributes, from consumers perspective.
Research design
The method used is basic research method (exploratory).
Data collection method: The Customer will be asked to fill up questionnaires.
Data collection place: We have chosen some major EPDM users in each area so as to prevent our data from being biased. Like Andheri, Vasai, Goregoan, Mira Road etc
Sample design
Sampling method: The sampling method used is stratified sampling (probability sampling method). As each group has small variation within itself but there is a significant variation between different stratas (groups).
Sample size: As 45 suppliers and users from Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Goa uses EPDM Rubber products. To determine the sample size we have conducted Pilot Study 15 respondents. We found that out of 15 respondents, 10 users are more interested buying from our company because of high technical specification and quality assurance.
So, p (estimated proportion of success) = 0.67
q (Estimated proportion of failure) = 0.33
The formula for estimating sample size in case of proportions is
n = (z/ e)2pq
z (90% confidence level in standard error units) = 1.645
e (assuming maximum allowance for error between true proportion and sample proportion)= 0.07
n = (1.645/0.07)2*0.67*0.33 =10.66 = 122 (approx.)
So, the sample size calculated by above formula is 122.
After allowing 10% for non-response error, the final sample size is 134.
Survey area: We intent to take survey (questionnaire) from 3 areas (Vasai, Goregoan and Andheri). So, we divided our sample of 134 in proportion to the population of these areas.
Vasai (20%) - 27
Goregoan (30%)- 40
Andheri (50%) - 67
Data processing and analysis:
Data will be processed using standard editing and coding procedures (simple and cross tabulations).
Data will be analyzed using:
Statistical tools:
It is a case of Multivariate Analysis, because the research objectives are multidimensional and more than three variables (i.e. price, quality, lead time etc.) are analyzed at one time.
The analysis will be done using Non Parametric analysis (Friedman test) which allows simultaneous investigation of the effect of two or more factors. In this test, values of the variables are ranked for each case. The Friedman test determines if the average rankings differ across variables.
The analysis will also be done by Hypothesis Testing, to test which attribute plays the major role in buying decision of EPDM Rubber.
H0 = ALP is preferred over other companies of EPDM Rubber.
H1 = ALP is not preferred over other companies of EPDM Rubber.
Graphical representations:
Bar charts and Pie charts
Data analysis and interpretation
Quality
Quality
ALP
8
ASP
3
Gold seal
2
Rk Profiles
1
Others
1
Delivery time of Material
Delivery time
ALP
6
ASP
4
Gold seal
2
Rk Profiles
2
Others
1
Price
Price
ALP
7
ASP
3
Gold seal
2
Rk Profiles
1
Others
2
Consistency
Consistency
ALP
6
ASP
4
Gold seal
3
Rk Profiles
1
Others
1
Brand
Brand
ALP
7
ASP
3
Gold seal
2
Rk Profiles
2
Others
1
hypothesis testing
In hypothesis testing we are comparing the research results with the market share of ALP Company. From the research results it is found that around 60% people prefer to buy EPDM rubber from ALP Company over others. So hypothesis statement will be:
H0 = ALP is preferred over other companies of EPDM Rubber
H1 = ALP is not preferred over other companies of EPDM Rubber
PHO = Hypothesized value of preference = 0.65
qHO = Hypothesized value of non-preference = 0.35
n = Sample size = 134
P = Sample proportion preferring ALP = 0.60
= Level of Significance for testing the Hypothesis (0.05)
p = ( PHO X qHO ) / n = Standard error of Proportions.
= (0.65 X 0.35) / 134 = 0.0412
Z = (P - PHO ) / p = (0.60 0.65) / 0.0412
= - 1.219
Hence we accept the null hypothesis and conclude that people prefer ALP over other brands because the sample falls in the region of acceptance as shown below:
Acceptance region
Standard Sample Prop.
-1.96 -1.219 0 +1.96 Z
Future of EPDM Rubber:
As the EPDM are becoming more popular, the companies are able to spend more money researching the benefits of materials which may be able to be used in the future enhancing the physical properties of the material and also the cost of materials.
Studies have shown that EPDM has considerable radiation stability. High radiation stability would possibly make the EPDM a potential candidate material to be used in nuclear applications with more application areas. The possible improvement with its radiation stability might make the EPDM a cheap engineering plastic to be used in radiation area. In this study, a general literature review was made about radiation stability of the EPDM and future use of EPDM in nuclear applications was assessed.
summary of findings
It was found out that maximum number of clients use EPDM rubber from ALP Company. The most important reason for this popularity is quality, consistency in delivery time, prices offered etc.
It was found that clients are preferring ALP products since the maximum market share which is highest in market.
Maximum market share is for ALP and it is the market leader (35.8% share). It has an image of Master of all among the masses.
It was found that Price, Quality, Consistency in Delivery of products plays the major role in deciding the brand of EPDM Rubber to be purchased.
It was also found that shifting of brands have taken place mainly because of price and quality.
In the comparative bar graph drawn for different companies it was found that ALP Company is preferred for every factor (price, quality, delivery time, etc) over other rivals.
Conclusion
We conclude here that if we want to be emerge as the Entrepreneur in this EPDM Rubber product market, then we have to emphasis on the parameters as mentioned below which stands to be preferred by the clients/suppliers at par with ALP.
Quality
Price
Delivery time of products
Consistency in specification
References
www.maharashtrapolymer.in
www.rkprofile.in
www.researchgate.net
www.aspseals.com
www.alpgroup.in
Survey on EPDM Rubber
Dear sir/ madam,
This survey is conducted by students of N.L.Dalmia institute of management studies and research as a part of curriculum.
1) Which company is better in quality terms?
ALPASP Gold Seal RK profiles
Others
2) Which company is good in on time delivery of materials?
ALP ASP Gold Seal RK profiles
Others
3) As EPDM rubber industry is a manufacturing sector, so which company is very consistent with product specifications?
ALP ASP Gold Seal RK profiles
Others
4) When buying EPDM rubber profile rank the following attributes according to their importance (1 to 6; 1 for the most important and 6 for the least important)
Parameters
Ranking
Quality
Price
Brand
Delivery
Innovative
Consistency
5) What do you prefer most when buying EPDM rubber profile?
QualityPriceBrand
If others please specify:
6) Sort the below companies, as per the credit time provided from high to lower?
ALP ASP Gold Seal RK profiles
Others
7) Minimum order quantity required (in kilogram) ___________
8) Mark the following attributes of our current EPDM rubber product from best to worst
Parameters
Best
Better
Good
Fair
Worst
Price
Quality
Brand
Delivery
Consistency
Name: -
Thank you for your contribution.
Quality
ALP
8ASP
3Gold seal
2Rk Profiles
1Others
1
Delivery time
ALP
6ASP
4Gold seal
2Rk Profiles
2Others
1
Price
ALP
7ASP
3Gold seal
2Rk Profiles
1Others
2
Consistency
ALPASPGold sealRk ProfilesOthers64311
Brand
ALP
7ASP
3Gold seal
2Rk Profiles
2Others
1
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